Learning approaches: social learning theory

social learning theory

Albert Bandura agreed with behaviourists that much of behaviour is learnt through CC & OC. However, his Social Learning Theory (SLT) argues that observational learning is important. This is when people imitate the behaviour of 'models', called modelling. Models can be live such as parents or peers or symbolic for example media characters. Behaviour is learnt faster through imitation than through conditioning.

behaviour is more likely to be imitated if:

People are more likely to imitate the models behaviour if they identify with the model in some way e.g. same sex, age or they have higher status.

• They believe they have the ability to reproduce the behaviour (self-efficacy)

There are positive consequences for the behaviour. In general, imitation only occurs if the behaviour is seen to be rewarded rather than punished. Vicarious reinforcement occurs when we see another person (the model) rewarded for certain actions. We believe that if we do the same action, we can get the same reward.

4 component processes of SLT which enable the learning process:

1. Attention: Individuals need to perceive and attend to significant features of modelled behaviour

2. Retention: In order to reproduce modelled behaviour, the individuals must code the information into long-term
   memory

3. Motor reproduction: Observer must be able to reproduce model's behaviour

4. Motivation: In this process, the observer expects to receive positive reinforcements for modelled behaviour (so they want to copy)

Bandua 1961 Bobo doll study

Procedure: He used 72 children, ½ boys ½ girls (4 years). There were 3 conditions and all children were matched on initial aggression. One group watched an aggressive model hitting a Bobo doll with a hammer & punching it saying pow & boom. The second group saw a non-aggressive model that played quietly in corner of room. The third group had no model- control group. The children were then left in playroom with a bobo doll & observed through one- way mirror for 20 minutes.

Findings: they found that group one frequently imitated same acts of aggression whereas the other 2 groups showed very little aggression.

Bobo doll study evaluation summary

• real life applications

• neither CC or OC can offer an adequate account of learning on their own

• over reliance on lab experiments

• problem of causality

• reductionist

Bobo doll study evaluation - real life application

Real life application - SLT can explain criminal behaviour. In a review of literature, it was found that the strongest cause of violent behaviour in adolescents was when it was modelled and rewarded. Therefore, SLT could be used as a basis of campaigns for reducing violence, for example the 9pm watershed was introduced to ensure that young children would not be exposed to violent television programmes. Additionally, age classifications were added to film and computer games again to ensure children are not exposed to violence at a young age. This means the theory has positive implications in trying to reduce aggressive behaviour.

Bobo doll study evaluation - neither CC nor OC can offer an adequate account of learning on their own

Neither CC nor OC can offer an adequate account of learning on their own, humans and animals store behaviour of others and make judgements about when it is appropriate to perform the actions. Therefore, SLT provides a more comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising the importance of cognitive mediational processes. Therefore, it is less reductionist than OC and CC.

Bobo doll study evaluation - over reliance on lab experiments

There may be an over reliance on lab experiments, many of Bandura's studies were carried out on children in lab settings. This may lack realism and therefore lack ecological validity. Therefore the results cannot be generalised to real world aggression. Additionally in research like the bobo doll study children may have just been responding to demand characteristics. Durkin pointed out "where else in life does a child find a powerful adult actually showing you how to knock hell out of a dummy and then give you the chance to try it out for yourself?"

Bobo doll study evaluation - problem of causality

However, there is a problem of causality; the theory suggests that watching aggressive models will lead to aggressive behaviour. However, it may be that adolescents who already have deviant attitudes seek out deviant role models. Thus it is not the role model causing the behaviour - these adolescents already have aggressive tendencies. Therefore, cause and effect cannot be inferred when using SLT to explain aggressive behaviour.

Bobo doll study evaluation - reductionist

The theory can be criticised for being reductionist as it is too simplistic to argue that behaviour is only learnt through imitation. In fact, there is evidence that biological factors influence social learning. One consistent finding in the Bobo Doll study was that boys were more aggressive than girls regardless of the experiment. This aggressive behaviour may be better explained by hormonal differences such as the levels of testosterone. Therefore the approach over-simplifies behaviour